Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
As part of efforts to revitalise the agriculture sector, the Adamawa State Government, has procured 210 tonnes of improved rice seeds to be distributed to farmers across the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Lucy Ishaku, made this known in Yola during an interactive meeting between government and private agricultural sector in the state.
She said that farmers, students and other professionals were being trained on basic techniques for enhanced crops production with the aim to boost food security production.
“We initiated the farming skills acquisition programme where farmers received training for all aspects of agricultural production covering crop sub sector, livestock, fisheries, irrigation among others,’’ she said.
The commissioner said that the aim of the interactive meeting was to share ideas and look at the way forward, stating that this would enable the state government examine the various problems affecting modern farming techniques to ensure that government improved on its commitment.
Bauchi
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Bauchi has warned parents against allowing their under-age children to drive.
Issuing the warning in an interview in Bauchi, the commission’s Public Enlightenment Officer, Malam Ibrahim Gaidam said that children must attain 18 years before having the right to drive a vehicle.
He said that the commission had arrested some of the drivers and impounded their vehicles thus compelling them to pay N4, 000 fine.
“Under-age driving is an offence and we have been arresting under-age drivers and riders of motorcycles. “They are fined N4, 000 for the offence and we do not release the vehicles until their parents come to us and we enlighten them and the children over the matter,’’ he said.
Gaidam said that the problem was rampant in Bauchi metropolis, adding that parents must understand that they were not doing any favour to the children.
He said that anything could happen to the child due to inexperience and their reasoning capacity and called on drivers and motorcyclists to desist from driving.
Benue
The youth wing of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Benue has pledged its support to the flagbearer of ACN for October, 14 governorship election in Ondo State, Mr Olarotimi Akeredolu.
The Deputy Youth Leader, Mr Austin Agada said that ACN’s choice of Akeredolu was a wise one and “a welcome development’’.
Agada in Makurdi said that Akeredolu was a man of integrity and a legal luminary who had contributed to the democratic practice in Nigeria.
“The youths in Benue are confident that Akeredolu’s candidature was the only way to remove the Labour Party (LP) government in Ondo State. “The Benue youths are very happy about the choice of Akeredolu. It is a good omen and we know that ACN would not have made a better choice,’’ he stressed.
Agada pointed out that the Ondo State ACN governorship flag bearer was a seasoned lawyer who would embrace the rule of law in the state.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government, has established a cassava processing plant to accelerate cassava production in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Rabiu Isa, disclosed this in an interview in Dutse.
Isa, who is also overseeing the Ministry of Economic Empowerment, said the plant was set up at Kila village in Gwaram Local Government Area of the state, adding that the project was progressing in accordance with the contract specifications, adding that it would soon be completed.
The commissioner added that part of the plant’s operational guidelines was to mop up excess produce from the farmers to check wastages and protect them from losses during harvest.
“The plant will encourage cassava processing and effective utilisation of cassava by-product as well as create market for the produce. “We are geared toward encouraging cassava production and developing farmers’ entrepreneurial skill,” Isa said.
He emphasised the state government’s commitment to ensure completion of the project on schedule and urged farmers to take advantage of the services provided by the plant to increase their production capacities.
Kano
The Kano State Government has spent N46.6 million to buy essential items for distribution to the second batch of 250 new couples, Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso has said.
He said this in Kano when he presented the items to some of the couples at the Government House.
The governor said the items included sleeping materials such as mattresses, pillows, bed clothes and others, as well as food items, among others, adding that each bride would also be given N20,000 as initial capital to enable them establish their own businesses.
The governor also said the state government had commenced the recruitment of the third batch of 1,003 fresh graduates as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment in the state.
He advised youths in the state to make good use of the various empowerment programmes initiated by the state government to enable them have a bright future.
In his remarks, Sheik Aminu Daurawa, the Commander-General of the State Hisba Board, commended the state government for its continued support to the board.
He also praised some wealthy individuals in the state for donating various sum of money and other items to the board.
Kogi
Two persons were feared dead and several others sustained varying degrees of injuries following a road crash on Lokoja-Abuja highway, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has said.
The victims were among the 12 passengers travelling in an Abuja-bound Toyota Hiace bus with registration number Abuja SE 277 KWL.
Confirming the incident, the Koton Karfe Unit Head of the FRSC, Mr Ezekiel Yonannah, said the bus was on high speed when one of its front tyres got burst, forcing the vehicle to veer off the highway and crashed on a nearby tree.
He said that the impact of the crash caused a fire that engulfed the bus and its occupants.
Yonannah said that two male occupants were burnt beyond recognition, while 10 others, including six adult males and four adult female sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Kwara
Thirteen people were arrested last month at different locations in Ilorin for violating Kwara’s environmental sanitation laws, the Director of Environment in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Alhaji Sikiru Olanipekun, has said.
Olanipekun disclosed this in Ilorin. He reaffirmed the determination of the ministry to continue enforcing sanitation laws to ensure clean environment at all times, and advised residents of the state to always clear bushes and wastes in their areas or face the wrath of the law.
The director warned against encroachment on major roads and cautioned shop owners against dumping refuse into canals to avoid flooding..
Olanipekun directed educational institutions in the state to provide sanitary facilities in their premises to provide healthy environment for learning.
He directed authorities of all institutions of higher learning to provide first aid boxes and fire extinguishers in their buildings, warning that those who failed to comply with the directive would be prosecuted in accordance with sanitation laws.
Nasarawa
The President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’t, Abuja, an NGO, Dr Abdullatif Busari, has urged the Federal Government to provide social amenities for rural dwellers.
Busari gave the advice at a ceremony organised by the association to provide free medical services and drugs to Uke community in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa.
“Government should focus more on these services, not only in health but also in the areas of power, roads, water and sanitation. “All these things have impact on the health of the people and they help to improve people’s living standard, ’’ he said.
He said the organisation’s services were aimed at ensuring that Muslims and Christians who lacked access to health facilities were given the opportunity to address their medical challenges.
“You know diseases and health challenges have no religious barrier; it affects everybody equally. “We believe that by involving everybody we would present a different picture of religion not necessarily Islam or Christianity. I know that some Christian groups also do it and they do not discriminate either”, he said.
Ondo
The Chairman, League of Imam and Alfas in Ondo State, Alhaji Olagoke Aladesawe, has called on Muslim faithfuls to intensify their acts of worship during Ramadan.
Speaking in Akure, Aladesawe explained that the month of Ramadan provided Muslims with special opportunity to earn rewards from Allah in manifolds.
He described Ramadan as a month full of blessings, forgiveness and redemption and urged the Muslims to enhance their goodness during the month of Ramadan.
“It is worthwhile for every Muslim to strive to do more good deeds, more acts of worship and more recitation of the Holy Qu’ran. The Qur’an is full of glad tidings for the pious Muslims who make the worship of Allah the cornerstone of both their private and public lives, he said.
“They will be successful in this life and the hereafter. “Allah rewards a good deed 100 times in the month of Ramadan more than other months when a good deed attracts only a single reward. “That is why it is advisable for Muslims to strive to earn more rewards in the exalted month by giving alms and remembering Allah both day and night,’’ the Chief Imam stressed.
Plateau
The Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), has lauded the appointment of Justice Mariam Aloama as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
President Jonathan confirmed Alaoma as the new CJN after the senate confirmed her nomination. She replaces Justice Dahiru Musdapher, who retired early this month.
The NBA Chairman Mr Tobias Kekemeke, said in Jos that the appointment was “well deserved and on merit“.
He said that the appointment was a plus to the judiciary because the new CJN “is a firm and fair jurist who has been able to extricate herself from prejudices and biases in determination of matters.’’
Kekemeke described Aloama as “industrious and reform minded’’, adding that she would be a big gain to the judiciary.
The Chairman called for more Judges to cope with the huge litigations in the country and urged lawyers to support the CJN to succeed.
The Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, Bishop Victor Uzosike, has described love as the bedrock of human existence, family stability and societal harmony, stressing that without love, nothing meaningful can thrive.
Bishop Uzosike made this assertion while speaking to journalists during the wedding ceremony of his daughter, Praise Uzosike, to Architect Chibuzor Akubueze on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The solemnisation was held at the Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, and was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to the cleric, love is not only the foundation of relationships but also a powerful force that determines the success of individuals, families and communities.
“If you do not love a place, that place will not bless you. If you do not love your children, they will not be useful to you. If you do not love your family, your family will become a strange island to you. What you do not love, you do not have. Love is the key,” he said.
Reflecting on his family’s journey, Bishop Uzosike said God’s love had sustained them through seasons of challenges and triumphs, noting that unity had remained their greatest strength.
“We have stayed together as one family. God has shown us love in miraculous and mysterious ways, especially during difficult times,” he stated.
Describing the wedding as an amazing and beautiful experience, the bishop expressed appreciation for the show of love from his daughter’s friends, many of whom travelled from the United Kingdom and Ghana to attend the ceremony. He revealed that some of them personally paid for their flights and accommodation, which he described as a rare display of genuine friendship.
He also disclosed that his first daughter, who lives in Manchester, United Kingdom, with her husband, could not attend the wedding due to tight schedules, but noted that she remains happily married and fulfilled.
While thanking guests for honouring his family with their presence, prayers and goodwill, Bishop Uzosike said he felt proud and grateful to God.
“One of the greatest gifts God can give to a man is children who are sound in all ramifications. My children can see, hear, speak and walk. That alone is enough reason to be grateful,” he said.
He praised the bride, describing Praise as an exceptional achiever who had distinguished herself academically. According to him, she completed secondary school at 15, graduated with First Class honours at 19, and earned distinctions in her MBA as well as her first and second master’s degrees.
“For a long time, people believed that highly educated women may not marry early or at all. Today, Praise has proved otherwise. She has made her mother and me very proud,” he said, describing her as a rare gem.
Bishop Uzosike also expressed joy over his son-in-law, whom he described as God-fearing, disciplined and professionally sound.
“He is well brought up, passionate about God and morally upright. His parents did a great job. My wife, Pastor Esther, also did an excellent job,” he added.
The wedding ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu; the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemeyie; and several senior clerics.
Bishop Fidelis Ugbong officiated the solemnisation, while Apostle Chika Onuzo delivered the sermon, identifying communication, sex and money as key factors that can strengthen or weaken marriages.
Prof. Ngozi Odu also prayed for the couple and paid glowing tributes, drawing admiration from attendees.
The reception, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, was equally colourful. Justice Matilda Ayemeyie proposed the toast, describing marriage as not always a bed of roses and emphasising patience, commitment and understanding.
The event was chaired by Chief Henry Nwabugo and attended by notable personalities, including retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili; Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; Hon. Otunba Jumbo; Nze Best Anele; and Prof. Henry Ogiri, among others.
Guests were entertained with dance performances by the couple, while the parents’ outing added elegance to the celebration. The master of ceremonies, Ambassador Kingsley, kept the audience engaged with humour and interactive sessions.
Overall, the wedding was a remarkable blend of spirituality, culture and celebration, marked by love, joy and unforgettable moments.
Nation
2027: APC Chieftain Predicts Tinubu’s Victory …Says Bayelsa Stakeholders Supporting President en masse … IPAC Knitted Together, Working In Synergy With His Office
Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC), in Bayelsa State and Special Adviser to the State Governor on Inter-Party Relations, Dr Jackson Ebi Suokiri has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure landslide win in the 2027 Presidential polls.
The Governor’s Aide stated this in Yenagoa, the state capital on Wednesday while fielding questions from newsmen against the backdrop of Tuesday’s pioneer Stakeholders meeting of the party convened by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri as leader of the Party in the State upon his recent defection late last year.
He averred that Party stakeholders in the state were prepared to give the President the massive support needed to return elected, come 2027 following his sterling trajectory of performance and qualitative leadership prowess.
Dr Suokiri stressed that the reason for the governor’s swapping of party was in the best interest of the state, while also noting that the governor took the right decision as there was no need continuing with opposition politics even as the state has to align with the national government for rapid socioeconomic and political advantages for the state and its people.
“Governor Diri’s defection like you’ve personally heard him saying was for the best interest of our state, Bayelsa. When you’ve a President performing well at the national level and being very supportive to your state as a governor, I don’t think you’ve to be in an opposition party anymore, but rather align with the centre.
“Diri is a bridge builder. He is at peace with everybody and willing to work with all, irrespective of party affiliations or political differences for the interest of the state.
“As Stakeholders we’ve resolved to collectively work to return President Tinubu elected for second term in 2027. And you can see the Governor is not pressuring anybody or the structure of his former party, the PDP to defect like he has done.
“The PDP structure in the state is still intact, and for the APC, his new Party even as current leader in the State, he has been working with the structure and everybody he met on ground, hence you can see that the APC Caretaker Committee led by Dr. Dennis Otiotio has been maintained at the pioneer Stakeholders meeting convened by the Governor.
“But you must also know like you’ve seen and I’ve previously said that Governor Diri has outperformed expectations of Bayelsans in all sectors, be it economy, infrastructure, health, education, etc.”, he said.
Meanwhile, as against insinuations that some political parties were not working with the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Party Relations, the Governor’s Aide has revealed that as it were currently, all the 19 registered political parties with presence in the state are working in unity with his office as members of the Inter-party advisory council (IPAC).
“IPAC is working in unity with my office. Before the Governor’s defection the only party that wasn’t working with my office was the APC. But since after his formal defection, the APC and even those other parties that were either sympathetic to the APC, the governor’s new party or the PDP, his former Party are all now working together with my office as members of IPAC”, Suokiri added.
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
